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Top Airlines in Turkey: A Complete Guide
AviationOutlook
January 07, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes
Turkey has transformed into one of the most important aviation hubs connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. With Istanbul serving as a strategic gateway, the country’s airline industry continues to expand at an impressive rate.
The nation hosts a diverse mix of carriers ranging from the flag carrier Turkish Airlines to specialized cargo operators and boutique charter airlines.
These airlines collectively serve hundreds of destinations and play vital roles in global connectivity.
Table of Contents
1. Turkish Airlines: The Global Flagship Carrier
Turkish Airlines stands as Turkey’s national flag carrier and one of the world’s most expansive airlines. Founded in 1933, it has grown into a global aviation powerhouse.
The airline operates from its main hub at Istanbul Airport, flying to more countries than any other carrier worldwide. Turkish Airlines serves over 340 destinations across six continents with a fleet exceeding 500 aircraft.
As a Star Alliance member since 2008, Turkish Airlines offers passengers seamless connectivity through partnerships with global carriers. The airline has committed to up to 150 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to support its growth strategy through 2033.
Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey
Hub: Istanbul Airport
Fleet Size: 514+ aircraft
Alliance: Star Alliance
Founded: 1933
Turkish Cargo, the airline’s freight division, operates 28 freighters and plans to expand to 44 aircraft. The carrier recently added its ninth Boeing 777F in late 2025 and announced plans to build the world’s largest air cargo terminal.
2. AJet: The Fast-Growing Low-Cost Subsidiary
AJet, formerly known as AnadoluJet, represents Turkish Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary. The carrier received its independent Air Operator Certificate in January 2024 and has experienced remarkable expansion.
Operating since 2008 but rebranded as AJet in 2023, the airline focuses on domestic and regional international routes. AJet has achieved 75% growth in seat capacity for winter 2025/26, outpacing its parent company.
The carrier operates a modern fleet primarily consisting of Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft. In December 2025, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise signed agreements to deliver 10 new Boeing 737-8s to AJet, targeting a 70% next-generation fleet composition by 2026.
Parent Company: Turkish Airlines
Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey
Focus: Low-cost operations
Primary Aircraft: Boeing 737 family
Founded: 2008 (as AnadoluJet)
3. Pegasus Airlines: Turkey’s Leading Independent Low-Cost Carrier
Pegasus Airlines operates as Turkey’s largest independent low-cost carrier. Founded in 1990, the airline has established itself as a major competitor in the Turkish aviation market.
Based at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Pegasus serves destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The carrier maintains a no-frills approach to air travel, offering affordable fares with optional add-ons.
Pegasus operates an all-Airbus fleet consisting primarily of A320 and A321neo aircraft. The airline focuses on efficiency and punctuality while maintaining competitive pricing structures.
Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey
Hub: Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Business Model: Low-cost carrier
Fleet Type: Airbus A320 family
Founded: 1990
The carrier has maintained a competitive equilibrium with Turkish Airlines, focusing on leisure and price-sensitive passengers.
4. SunExpress: The Joint-Venture Leisure Specialist
SunExpress operates as a unique joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, each holding 50% equity stakes. Founded in 1990 and based in Antalya, the airline specializes in leisure travel.
The carrier focuses on connecting Turkish holiday destinations with European markets, particularly Germany. SunExpress operates both scheduled and charter services, positioning itself as a tourism ambassador between Turkey and Europe.
With 35 years of experience, SunExpress has delivered consistent summer performance throughout 2025. The airline operates Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft configured for leisure travelers.
Ownership | Turkish Airlines (50%), Lufthansa (50%)
Headquarters | Antalya, Turkey
Specialization | Leisure travel
Primary Markets | Turkey-Europe routes
Founded | 1990
5. Corendon Airlines: The Multi-Hub Charter Operator
Corendon Airlines operates as a Turkish leisure airline owned by the Corendon Tourism Group. Founded in 2004 and beginning operations in 2005, the carrier has grown significantly.
The airline operates from multiple bases including Antalya, Ankara, Bodrum, and Kayseri. Corendon has registered airlines in three countries: Turkey, the Netherlands, and Malta, carrying approximately 6 million passengers annually.
For 2026, Corendon announced continued expansion with single-digit percentage growth to Turkey and 26% capacity increases to Greek destinations like Heraklion. The airline recently started service from Copenhagen and Billund to destinations across Greece, Spain, and Turkey.
Owner | Corendon Tourism Group
Headquarters | Antalya, Turkey
Fleet | 14 Airbus A320 aircraft
Annual Passengers | 6 million
Founded | 2004
6. MNG Airlines: The Expanding Cargo Specialist
MNG Airlines operates as Turkey’s prominent cargo carrier based in Istanbul. Founded in 1997, the airline specializes in international charter air cargo services and ACMI operations.
MNG Airlines has demonstrated significant growth ambitions by ordering two Airbus A350F freighters in November 2025, with deliveries expected around 2031. This order marks the carrier’s entry into large widebody operations.
The airline recently added a new Airbus A330-300F to its fleet, continuing to expand its global cargo operations. MNG focuses on long-haul international freight services connecting Turkey with Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Headquarters | Istanbul, Turkey
Specialization | Cargo operations
Services | Charter, ACMI, wet/dry lease
Future Fleet | A350F (from 2031)
Founded | 1997
7. Southwind Airlines: The Russian Route Specialist
Southwind Airlines operates as a relatively new Turkish carrier focused primarily on connecting Turkey with Russian destinations. The airline commenced operations in 2022 from its Antalya base.
Southwind specializes in serving routes between Turkish leisure destinations and various Russian cities. The carrier operates flights to Moscow (Sheremetyevo), Kazan, Yekaterinburg, and other Russian markets.
As of January 2026, flight tracking data confirms the airline maintains active operations on routes like Moscow-Antalya. Southwind Airlines fills an important niche serving Russian tourism to Turkey.
Headquarters | Antalya, Turkey
Primary Market | Turkey-Russia routes
Hub | Antalya Airport
Fleet Type | Airbus A320 family
Founded | 2022
8. Air ACT: The International Cargo Operator
Air ACT, legally known as ACT Airlines and formerly branded as MyCargo Airlines, operates as a Turkish cargo airline based in Istanbul. The carrier specializes in cargo and passenger charter services.
Founded in 2004 and restructured in 2011, Air ACT operates international scheduled and charter air cargo services. The airline also provides ACMI and wet and dry lease services to global partners.
Air ACT operates Boeing 747-400F freighters on long-haul cargo routes. LCI Aviation recently signed agreements to provide additional 747 freighters to support the carrier’s operations.
Legal Name | ACT Airlines
Headquarters | Istanbul, Turkey
Services | Cargo, ACMI, charter
Fleet | Boeing 747-400F
Founded | 2004
9. Freebird Airlines: The Charter Veteran
Freebird Airlines operates as an established Turkish charter airline owned by Gözen Holding. Founded in 2001, the carrier brings over two decades of experience to the market.
The airline operates from Istanbul Airport and specializes in passenger and cargo charter services. Freebird also provides MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) services and cabin crew training.
For 2026, Freebird is launching direct flights from Antalya and Bodrum to Prague. The airline operates 14 Airbus A320 aircraft (11 registered in Turkey, 3 in Malta) serving over 170 destinations.
Owner | Gözen Holding
Headquarters | Istanbul, Turkey
Fleet | 14 Airbus A320 aircraft
Additional Services | MRO, crew training
Founded | 2001
10. Tailwind Airlines: The ACMI Solutions Provider
Tailwind Airlines operates as a Turkish-British partnership specializing in charter and ACMI operations. Founded in 2009 and based in Antalya with Istanbul headquarters, the airline serves a specialized market.
Tailwind delivers high-reliability charter and ACMI solutions to tour operators and airlines needing temporary capacity. The carrier operates both series and ad-hoc charter flights with flexible scheduling.
For 2026, Tailwind confirmed it will continue flying safely and expanding services. The airline operates Boeing 737 aircraft configured for charter operations from its Antalya base.
Partnership | Turkish-British joint venture
Headquarters | Antalya/Istanbul, Turkey
Specialization | Charter and ACMI
Fleet Type | Boeing 737
Founded | 2009
11. ULS Airlines Cargo: The Fleet Modernization Story
ULS Airlines Cargo represents Turkey’s cargo carrier focused on international freight operations. Founded in 2004, the airline has undergone significant fleet modernization.
In 2025, ULS received two Airbus A330-300P2F converted freighters from Air Transport Services Group. These aircraft can carry approximately 62 tonnes and replace the carrier’s aging A310 freighters, scheduled for retirement by end of 2026.
The fleet upgrade positions ULS as Turkey’s third A330 freighter operator. The airline operates from Istanbul Airport, serving international cargo routes throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Headquarters | Istanbul, Turkey
Fleet Modernization | A330-300P2F (2025)
Cargo Capacity | 62 tonnes per aircraft
Retiring Fleet | A310 freighters (2026)
Founded | 2004
12. Air Anka: The Emerging Passenger Carrier
Air Anka operates as a relatively new Turkish airline serving both cargo and passenger markets. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Izmir, the carrier focuses on regional routes.
The airline flies to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa from its Turkish bases. In 2025, Air Anka wet-leased two Airbus A320neo aircraft from Saudi carrier Flyadeal to expand capacity on tourist routes.
This partnership demonstrates Air Anka’s growth strategy and commitment to serving seasonal tourism demand between Turkey and Europe efficiently.
Headquarters | Izmir, Turkey
Markets | Europe, Middle East, Africa
Recent Expansion | A320neo wet lease (2025)
Service Type | Passenger and cargo
Founded | 2021
13. BBN Airlines Türkiye: The ACMI Specialist
BBN Airlines Türkiye operates as part of the global BBN Airlines group within Ireland’s Avia Solutions Group. The carrier commenced operations in 2024, focusing on specialized services.
BBN Airlines Turkey specializes in ACMI operations, providing aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance services to other carriers. The airline began its first international operations in September 2023.
The carrier operates Airbus A321 freighter aircraft on charter cargo routes. In July 2024, BBN partnered with Chapman Freeborn to operate cargo flights, demonstrating its growing presence in the freight market.
Parent Group | Avia Solutions Group
Headquarters | Turkey
Specialization | ACMI, cargo charter
Aircraft Type | Airbus A321 freighter
Founded | 2024
My Final Thoughts
Turkey’s airline industry demonstrates remarkable diversity and resilience. From Turkish Airlines’ global dominance to specialized cargo operators and niche charter carriers, each airline serves specific market segments effectively.
The sector shows strong growth momentum heading into 2026. AJet’s rapid expansion, MNG Airlines’ A350F orders, and ULS Cargo’s fleet modernization signal confidence in future demand.
Strategic positioning matters immensely. Airlines leveraging Turkey’s geographic location benefit from connecting three continents, while carriers focusing on Russia-Turkey tourism or European leisure travel capitalize on specific demand patterns successfully.
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